The value of a beautiful smile cannot be overemphasized. Hence, it’s only reasonable to ensure that your teeth are well-cared for. Aside from improving oral health, dental hygiene can boost general health and well-being.
So, how do you maintain the health of your teeth and gums? Teeth discoloration and misalignment are two of the most common dental problems and treating them may appear daunting for some.
Although cleaning and flossing are essential, they have little to no effect in preventing these problems. Thankfully, invisible aligners and veneers have found extensive use in correcting these defects.
So when you face either of these conditions, should you utilize either of these products? What are their benefits and consequences, if any? We’ll tackle these questions and many more in the course of this article. Be sure to read to the end.
What are Invisible Teeth Aligners?
Also known as clear aligners, this form of orthodontic treatment are transparent teeth aligners that correct your dentition while appearing invisible, allowing you to retain your smile. They’re used to correct crooked, misaligned, or otherwise imperfect teeth.
Invisible aligners are made from flexible thermoplastic and are an improvement over traditional braces with faster results and less pain. While these aligners aren’t entirely hidden, they are generally hard to detect.
This dental device is designed for adults and older teenagers but isn't necessarily used in children. So what are the benefits and detriments of using invisible aligners?
Pros
Here are some reasons invisible aligners are a top choice compared to traditional braces.
Quicker Effect
The length of treatment with braces usually takes 9–15 months to complete, while braces take longer. They can adjust poor alignment more accurately because they’re precisely fabricated for your teeth using computerized technology. However, your desired result and dental condition will affect your treatment time.
Entirely Removable
Also known as Invisalign, invisible aligners are not attached to your teeth with any metal wire or brackets. Hence, you can easily remove them when you want to eat or brush your teeth. Moreover, if you feel uncomfortable in social events when having a drink or talking to people, you can easily slip them off.
Cons
While it’s clear that invisible aligners offer quite some advantages to people with poor teeth structure, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are some key reasons why clear aligners may not be the perfect choice for you.
Easy to Misplace or Lose
Invisible aligners’ inherent advantage—ease of removability—makes them more susceptible to loss. Misplaced aligners will disrupt the treatment plan and cost additional fees to replace. Overall, losing them can be a heartbreaker considering their high cost.
They May Cause You Pain
Pain is almost synonymous with most dental procedures, and invisible aligners are no different. Aligners cause discomfort for people who use them, especially initially due to the pressure exerted on teeth to move them.
Requires Strict Dedication
For invisible aligners to work perfectly, you need to wear them for 20–22 hours every day. Hence, you must resist the urge to remove them or slip them out more often, or you run the risk of impairing your progress.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and improve their appearance. These shell-like substances are customized to the shape of your teeth and provide enough strength and stability comparable to natural teeth. They’re mostly made from porcelain and resin.
Aside from their role in beautifying the teeth, they’re also used to close gaps in the teeth and correct minor misalignment. Still, it’s not all roses with this dental tool as it also poses some risks.
Pros
Here are some perks of using dental veneers.
Resistant to Stains
Veneers are widely referred to as the “perfect teeth” because of their resistance to staining. While you have a role to play in retaining the veneer's color by avoiding teeth-staining foods, it can take up to five years for stains to appear. Generally, a veneer stains at the edge where it meets the tooth.
Cons
Achieving a beautiful smile with veneers doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Here are some of them.
They are Permanent
Using veneers to improve your teeth appearance compromises your natural tooth enamel. This occurs due to the actions done on your teeth to make them suitable for veneers. More concerning is that veneers can make it impossible to clean your gum line, increasing the possibility of developing gum disease.
Lengthy Duration of Application
Putting in a request for veneers and fixing them takes quite some time. You will go through the phase of consulting with a dentist and having your teeth ground for easy application of the veneers. In addition, a mold of the prepared teeth is made, which is taken to a lab for fabrication.
You’ll have to use temporary acrylic veneers during this time before the fabrication arrives, which usually takes about 2–4 weeks.
Should You Use These Dental Devices?
Although these dental products have disadvantages, their significance cannot be overlooked. So, if you’re considering going for any of these orthodontic devices depending on your dental condition, we hope you’re able to make a more informed choice now. If you’re still confused, you can consult your dentist for further advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do these dental devices really work?
While medical products are continually researched to prove their effectiveness, these dental materials have proven effective in managing their respective dental issues. A study from the Australian Dental Journal claims clear aligners play a significant role in aligning and leveling dental arches.
When it comes to veneers, the porcelain variant has amazing aesthetic benefits coupled with high durability, while the composite variant is a cheaper option.
How much do these dental devices cost?
These orthodontic devices come at a higher cost than your regular dental expenses due to their high level of effectiveness coupled with the required expertise. For transparent teeth aligners, you might have to spend anywhere from $3,000–$7,000, while the veneers cost between $250– $2,500 per tooth, depending on the type (porcelain or composite).
However, with the Straight Teeth Invisible, you can save considerable costs with flexible payment options and monthly payments.
Can children use invisible aligners and veneers?
Generally, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) doesn't advise “comprehensive” orthodontic treatments for kids below 7. Still, it states that children should have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Hence, if you’re concerned about your younger one’s dental health, you can consult with a dentist for the best advice.
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